95

Chapter 95: Hatching

"Expelliarmus!"

Neville shouted, and Hermione's wand flew out of her hand, landing softly on the nearby cushion.

"Success!" Hermione exclaimed joyfully, skipping over to hug Neville before retrieving her wand with Theo's help.

Neville beamed proudly. "I practiced this at home. Grandma was thrilled. She said my dad couldn't disarm a curse in his first year either!"

"Is that a new wand?" Michael inquired, eyeing Neville's wand.

"Yes." Neville proudly displayed his new companion to everyone. "Cherry wood, unicorn hair. Mr. Ollivander said it suits me perfectly."

Every young wizard remembered the magical feeling of finding their ideal wand. They each touched Neville's wand and assured him he'd become a skilled spellcaster.

As they chatted happily, the door to the Umbrella House slid open. Neville turned to see Harry entering with a determined expression. "Harry, you're here too!"

"Hey, Neville," Harry greeted hurriedly. "Oh, Hermione—good, you're here too! Michael, do you know where Wade is?"

"He went to the library for books. Should be back soon. Why do you need him?" Michael replied.

"It's Hagrid," Harry began. "He wants me to invite Hermione, Neville, and Wade to his hut."

—The groundskeeper? That big guy...

Michael raised an eyebrow.

Students at Hogwarts often glimpsed Hagrid's cabin across the grounds but seldom ventured near. The unusually large Rubeus Hagrid appeared intimidating to many. Some students even mistook him for a mere castle servant, not knowing his true role.

The groundskeeper's name was more commonly associated with the Weasley twins, who were rumored to have been captured by him in the Forbidden Forest.

Surprisingly, Harry had a good rapport with Hagrid. But why would he invite Wade?

As they spoke, Wade entered through the door with a book in hand. Upon hearing about Hagrid's invitation, he set the book down and joined them to Hagrid's hut.

On the way, Harry explained, "Hagrid says the baby dragon is about to hatch, and he wants us all to witness it. Not many get to see a fire dragon hatch, you know?"

Under Hermione's incredulous gaze, Harry's voice dropped.

"I can't believe—he knew he was raising a fire dragon!" Hermione exclaimed indignantly. "And he lives in a wooden house!"

"Don't—Hermione—" Harry whispered urgently. "At least don't cause a scene today. Hagrid's really looking forward to this."

Reluctantly, Hermione composed herself with a stern nod.

Arriving at the cabin door, Harry knocked. Hagrid swung it open, beaming with excitement.

"Just in time, you lot!" Hagrid exclaimed. "The little one's about to hatch!"

Harry stepped inside but froze in his tracks.

Ron was seated inside as well. He glanced over, then quickly averted his gaze to study the dragon egg's intricate patterns.

Hermione looked around, a bit uncertain.

"Come in, come in—don't stand there gawking," Hagrid invited warmly, ushering them inside. Turning to Wade, he said earnestly, "Glad you could make it, Wade. Not many folks get to see a baby dragon hatch. Figured you'd be interested, right?"

"Absolutely. Thanks for inviting me, Hagrid," Wade replied with a smile. He walked in, ignoring the awkward tension among the others, and took a seat nearby, keenly observing the dragon eggs on the table.

—A dragon!

Even a Western Ridgeback, who wouldn't want to see one?

As he settled in, Wade noticed something odd. Looking up, he saw several long, silky white hairs hanging from the ceiling, bundled with a few copper pots, resembling ethnic decorations.

Amidst Hagrid's cluttered cabin, these white hairs possessed an unusual smoothness and air of reverence.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Hermione asked, "What animal's hair is that, Hagrid?"

"Oh, unicorn hair. Pulled from their tails and hung up in the forest." Initially dismissive, Hagrid noticed Wade's interest and added, "Oh, Wade, you study alchemy, right? Take some. I've got plenty if you need more."

He tore off a generous handful of unicorn tail hair and offered it to Wade.

Wade declined politely, "It's too much, Hagrid! A complete unicorn tail hair costs ten Galleons."

Ron, who had been stoic, nearly toppled off his chair. He stared wide-eyed at the white strands, mistaking them for horse tails.

The Weasley family, with seven children, often struggled financially. Ron had never saved more than a single Galleon in his life.

"It's nothing," Hagrid waved off. "I find plenty in the woods—"

He insisted Wade accept the unicorn hair.

Hagrid's motives were simple: On the night the Potters perished, it was Hagrid who carried baby Harry to safety. He felt a deep sense of responsibility toward the frail infant. Years later, he personally escorted Harry into the wizarding world at age eleven.

Watching Wade now, Hagrid saw him as a guardian might view their child. Learning Wade had been looking after Harry at school and teaching him valuable spells only reinforced Hagrid's desire to repay Harry's parents.

In that moment, seeing something he knew Wade would appreciate, Hagrid felt compelled to share it.

Hagrid's feelings were complex and hard to articulate, yet Wade sensed them vaguely. He glanced at Harry, oblivious, and accepted the gift.

—Whether valuable or not, Wade would always find a way to repay such kindness.

"Look, it's happening!" Hermione suddenly exclaimed.

The dragon egg cracked audibly, revealing a white snout. A black baby dragon struggled out, its spiky wings fluttering against the table with a crackling sound, emitting sparks from its nostrils.